Whether you like to go out walking for your mental health, physical exercise, walking your dog, or exploring new hiking trails, a good pair of walking shoes that are supportive and comfortable to wear is essential. If you often go out walking through wet terrain or live in an area where there’s a lot of rain that you are likely to get caught in when you are out walking, then your walking shoes are bound to get wet, which can be really uncomfortable if they are not at least water-resistant. With fall and winter closing in, it’s the perfect time to look out for a comfortable, waterproof walking shoe.
Vessi Everyday Move
A sleek and fashionable sneaker offering excellent support and a sturdy, thick sole, these waterproof shoes are designed for more active people and are bound to keep your feet comfortable, dry, and warm no matter the weather. Whether you are exploring hiking trails, walking around a local park to clear your head, or taking your dog out for a daily walk, you can rely on these shoes to be good for your feet. Unlike many water-resistant shoes that are treated with a waterproof coating, the waterproofing is integrated directly into the knit of Vessi shoes, making them 100% waterproof. They’re easy to wear and very breathable, making them suitable for all types of weather and seasons, keeping your feet fresh while they stay dry. They are made from 100% vegan materials, and are seriously lightweight, making them the perfect alternative to heavy rain boots.
Clarks Wave Trek and Uncoast
Comfortable and innovative, these waterproof walking sneakers are casual enough to wear with any outfit, while looking stylish at the same time. There’s a sneaker to suit everybody with five stunning neutral color options to choose from. Wavewalk technology offers superior support and comfort, while the rocker sole is an excellent shock absorber, cushioning your joints and helping to conserve energy as you are walking. The removable Ortholite footbed provides even further cushioned support and comfort. Made from rich, full-grain genuine leather that is weather-ready and waterproof, these durable shoes are sure to keep your feet completely comfortable, warm, and dry no matter where you are walking.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Low
If you are on the lookout for hiking and walking shoes that will keep your feet well-ventilated while protecting them from wet and rainy conditions, these shoes from Salomon are a great choice. Featuring mudguards and rubber toe caps, they’re the ideal choice for hiking in wet terrain or for simply walking the dog in the rain throughout the winter. They’re also super-comfortable, with foam cushioning in the footbed that connects directly to the soles of your feet to keep your heels stabilized. Contoured Ortholite insoles with a soft, textile material ensure that moisture is wicked away from your feet, keeping them fresh while you’re walking. The outsole pattern offers a combination of two different types of rubber for a more effective grip in slippery conditions, while specifically placed lines help to reduce foot fatigue and keep you moving for longer.
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack
This hiking shoe has everything that you need to keep you fast and light while on the trail, no matter the weather. It offers superb structural support while waterproof membranes keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout your adventure. These shoes offer a wide range of excellent features including an abrasion-resistant lining that not only keeps your feet safe but will protect your shoes from any damage from sharp objects that you might encounter while hiking. The Gore-Tex membranes keep the water out of your shoes while allowing maximum breathability for your feet, and heel-stabilizing technology with grippy Vibram outsoles and compression-molded midsoles keeps you comfortable while supporting your feet even on the longest of walks.
La Sportiva Spire
Whether you enjoy a lot of hiking in the winter or live in an area with rocky or muddy terrain, these waterproof walking shoes from La Sportiva will ensure that your feet stay dry, warm, and protected at all times. The uppers are made from an abrasion-resistant mesh, which not only keeps your feet safe from any sharp objects that you might come across while walking but reduces damage to the shoes themselves. Gore-Tex aeration channels in the midsole and footbed ensure that your shoes are completely surrounded with both superior waterproof protection and excellent ventilation and breathability. The shoes are as comfortable as they are breathable, with midsoles that provide excellent torsional stability and structure for a secure and supportive fit. The Vibram outsoles provide excellent grip and traction for even the slipperiest of surfaces.
Do I Need Waterproof Shoes?
If you are planning on hiking or walking outside regularly or are going on a vacation where you will be doing a lot of hiking, it’s a good idea to invest in some waterproof shoes designed for this purpose. Getting your feet soaked in the rain or when walking through wet terrain can be seriously uncomfortable, so the right waterproof shoes will make the experience all the more pleasant.
What is the Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof?
A completely waterproof shoe means that nothing will get in, even if you are caught in a downpour or jump in a puddle. On the other hand, water-resistant shoes are usually treated with a coating, so they can keep your feet dry to a point but may not be able to withstand heavy rain or if your feet are submerged in water.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Walking Shoes for You
There are lots of different options on the market and many factors to consider to help you choose the best waterproof walking shoes for you. Consider what you are going to wear waterproof walking shoes for – you might need more waterproofing if you’re hiking on muddy trails compared to walking to work in the rain, for example. Consider the level of support and comfort you’ll need, and what you want your shoes to look like. Are you happy with a traditional hiking shoe, or do you want something you can wear every day?
Whether you’re walking the dog or hitting the hiking trails in the rain, a good waterproof walking shoe is a great investment.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
